I recently spoke with pianist Lara Downes about her new release “America Again,” which is comprised of various arrangements of a wide range of genres including classical, American popular, jazz and folk ballads. She explains how she put the album together, which contains music “that explores the essential American dream.”

Lara has also launched a new project which listeners can take part in. The “My Promise Project” is a community and youth based initiative based on her collaborations with composer David Sanford and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove. Lara wants to know “what is your promise to the world? What is your vision and your hope for the future of our world?” Make a sign that describes your own “promise to the world” and share it with her in a video of ten seconds or less. You can contribute at this link on her website.